BMJ: Desogestrel-containing contraceptives may increase the risk of meningioma

Some contraceptive pills containing desogestrel have been associated with an increased risk of developing meningioma, a usually benign tumor of the membranes surrounding the brain. The risk was small but increased with prolonged use of the drug, particularly for more than five years. These findings were reported by French experts from the EPI-PHARE scientific group. The study was published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal).

The researchers analyzed data from 92,301 women in France, including 8,391 patients who had undergone surgery for an intracranial meningioma. They compared the use of hormonal contraceptives among women with and without the tumor.

The study found that continuous use of desogestrel for more than five years was associated with a higher likelihood of developing a meningioma requiring surgical treatment. Among women who used the drug for five to seven years, the relative risk increased by approximately 1.5-fold, while use for seven years or longer was associated with an approximately 2.1-fold increase. However, the absolute risk remained low: according to the authors’ estimate, there was approximately one case of meningioma associated with desogestrel use per 67,000 women.

After women stopped taking the drug, the increased risk was no longer observed after approximately one year.

The researchers found no increased risk of meningioma among women taking levonorgestrel, either alone or in combination with estrogen. The risk associated with desogestrel was also significantly lower than that linked to some other progestogens that have previously been associated with meningioma.

Based on these findings, the French medicines agency has warned women taking desogestrel about the potential risk. However, women are not advised to stop taking their contraceptive on their own; they should discuss whether to continue treatment with their doctor.

Meningioma develops from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Depending on its location, the tumor can cause headaches, vision problems, memory or balance disturbances, speech difficulties, or epileptic seizures.